Discussion Overview
The discussion centers around the search for free mathematics and engineering textbooks in PDF format, specifically targeting college and university-level materials for self-study and library compilation. Participants explore various resources and legality issues surrounding the availability of such textbooks.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant requests links to free mathematics and engineering textbooks in PDF format for self-study.
- Another participant raises concerns about the legality of distributing copyrighted textbooks, questioning if the original request pertains to illegal download sites.
- Some participants suggest researching the Open Access movement, noting its relevance primarily to journal articles rather than entire textbooks.
- A participant shares a specific open access textbook on quantum mechanics available on arXiv, highlighting the potential for finding textbooks on platforms like arXiv and SSRN.
- Several participants provide links to websites offering free and legal textbooks, including freebookcentre.net and e-booksdirectory.com.
- Another participant mentions the Internet Archive as a resource for books whose copyright has expired, as well as personal pages of professors and MIT Open Courseware for additional materials.
- One participant clarifies that they are not seeking illegal sites but rather legal resources, emphasizing the need for copyright-compliant options.
- A question is raised about the availability of mathematics and engineering books on platforms like Google Play or iBooks store at lower prices.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the legality of accessing certain textbooks, with some emphasizing the importance of copyright compliance while others focus on the availability of open access resources. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best sources for free textbooks.
Contextual Notes
Some participants note the limitations of the Open Access movement in relation to textbooks, and there is an ongoing uncertainty about the legality of various resources mentioned.